Goodwood and Willow Springs International Raceway have entered into an agreement to launch the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America (GRRC of America), the first Goodwood-organised club in America. According to the terms of the agreement, the American flagship event will take place in Willow Springs in the fall of 2028.
What is the deal between Willow Springs and Goodwood?
The deal involves the launch of the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America and introduces a range of activities and automotive events starting in 2027, with the first flagship event scheduled for 2028 at Willow Springs International Raceway.
Goodwood is renowned for arranging events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival, and Goodwood Members’ Meeting in the United Kingdom. This U.S. venture marks the organisation’s first sustained foray into the American market.
Why was Willow Springs International Raceway chosen?
Willow Springs International Raceway is known as the oldest permanently operated road race track in America. It has a rich heritage in organising motorsport events and is a renowned venue for racers in California.
According to Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, the arrangement is an expression of the circuit’s legacy and provides an opportunity to host a Goodwood event in America.
What will the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America offer?
The Goodwood Road Racing Club of America is expected to offer membership to select Goodwood events in the United Kingdom and to organise activities related to automobiles and motorsport in the United States.
The club will be launched with three founding patrons:
Sir Jackie Stewart – Three-time Formula 1 World Champion
Mario Andretti – Winner of the Indianapolis 500 and Formula 1 World Champion
Richard Petty – NASCAR champion
The three motorsport personalities will assist in developing the club’s American branch.
When will the first American Goodwood happen?
The Goodwood Road Racing Club of America is set to launch operations in 2027. The first flagship event is scheduled for fall 2028 at Willow Springs International Raceway, located in Rosamond, California.
Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Charles Richmond, stated that expanding into the US market was something that Goodwood had been aiming for in the long term, starting with California as its base of operations in the US.
What is the meaning of this to the Willow Springs Raceway?
This partnership is part of the plan to develop the circuit for Willow Springs International Raceway. Being the venue for Goodwood’s first flagship event in America, the circuit is set to welcome many more automotive events associated with the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America.
Details on ticket and membership costs, event dates, and how to register are yet to be released by the organisers.
